Each year as July 4 approaches, the No. 1 complaint that pet owners voice is their concern over holiday fireworks causing injury or anxiety in their companions.

Residents of Ellwood City and surrounding areas get plenty of exposure to fireworks for weeks before and after the holiday. Many humans complain about the increased noise, but we typically manage better than dogs who have more sensitivity to loud noises and vibrations.

Pets who suffer from separation anxiety when their owners or “human pack” leave them alone for hours have even more stress related to thunderstorms and fireworks.

In addition to the loud sounds that fireworks produce, some pets become disturbed by things they can’t control in their territories and may chase the fireworks or try to bite them.

Several years ago, I had to treat a dog that would run after and catch fireworks. The family thought it was funny, until their pet caught one.